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Stained cedar can last for years with little maintenance, but that doesn’t mean that you won't simply want a change of pace. Painting over siding can give your home a facelift, sprucing up tired wood and making it look fresh and new again. Painting over stained wood is not much different than painting over raw wood and with just a few extra steps you will be on your way to a fresh, new exterior.

Preparation

The most important part to painting cedar siding is preparation. If the siding was not sealed with a glossy lacquer or varnish, as is the case with most siding, the process is fairly straightforward. Wash the siding thoroughly using a dilution of detergent and water according to the manufacturer’s directions. For large spaces it is easier to use a pressure washer to do the job. Once it is clean, nail down any loose siding or replace missing pieces and fill any holes. Replace or sand any damaged areas. If the stain was sealed, sand all of the wood down to the natural wood to remove any lacquer prior to washing and repairing.

Priming

Cedar contains extractives that can discolor paint, so it is necessary to prime the siding prior to painting it. If the underlying stain is dark, have the primer tinted to match your paint color for better coverage. Tape off and cover any areas that you don’t want painted, and apply the primer using a roller or a spray painter. For better adhesion and fuller coverage, sand the first primer coat lightly using medium-grit sandpaper and apply a second coat.

Painting

After the primer has dried completely, use a roller or paint sprayer to apply the paint over the entire surface. Allow this to dry for a few hours and apply a second coat. A third coat may be necessary if the stain is exceptionally dark. Make sure to apply the paint when temperatures are not too cool and when rain is not expected in the next 24 hours. Start painting at the top of the space and work your way down.

Paint

Make sure that the primer and the paint are specifically made for outdoor use. Oil-based paint can be used to paint the exterior. However, experts recommend using a outdoor latex paint with high elasticity for the best coverage. Cedar tends to change shape slightly as the weather goes between being wetter and drier, so it is important that the paint be able to move with the wood. Wear a breathing mask when sanding wood.

About the Author

Kristine Lofgren specializes in interior design, Web design, photography and gardening. She owns an interior design business in Salt Lake City. A graduate of Salt Lake Community College's interior design program, Lofgren is pursuing a Master of Arts in journalism from the University of Utah.

Lofgren, Kristine. (n.d.). How to Paint Over Non-Oil Based Stain on Cedar Siding. Home Guides | SF Gate. Retrieved from http://homeguides.sfgate.com/paint-over-nonoil-based-stain-cedar-siding-38853.html